Introducing The Tissot Ballade

Tissot's always big on value and this watch is no exception. The new Ballade is a variation on the Powermatic 80 that offers a chronometer-certified movement, along with a silicon balance spring, all for under $1,000. That's really nothing to scoff at.

A Tissot display from the 1930s showing its use of an antimagnetic balance.

The Ballade ups the ante though. It draws on Tissot's long history of making antimagnetic watches, something that stretches all the way back to the 1930s, when the watchmaker began using non-magnetic materials in its movements. Tissot even claims that it's Antimagnétique was the world's first non-magnetic wristwatch – a claim that's tough to verify for sure, but it's certainly a contender.

The new Ballade comes in a few different styles and sizes.

These new watches do a nice job differentiating themselves from the other Powermatic 80 models. They all have stainless steel cases (some with gold PVD coatings) and vary in size (30.6mm for the ladies' model and 39mm for the men's). You'll notice a distinctive Clous de Paris hobnail pattern carry through from the bezels to the dials too – it adds just a little bit of that old-school 30s look without going overboard. Personally, I think the black and steel men's model on a strap is really nice looking, and has an almost scientific/engineering feel to it.

The Ballade is definitely meant to be a daily-wearer for most people.

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What's inside really matters here too though. The standard Powermatic 80 movement – named for the automatic winding and 80-hour power reserve – has been fitted with a silicon balance spring to make it more resistant to magnetism. Jack's told you why this is a big deal, and silicon balance springs are almost exclusively used in much more expensive watches. This is a perfect example of a large group (Swatch, in this case) being able to offer something at great value due to the benefits of scale. And I'm certainly not complaining.

The Tissot Ballade collection includes seven different models, including versions for both men and women. Prices start at $925 for the men's steel watch on a strap and go up to $1,075 for the two-tone models on bracelets. You can see the whole collection on Tissot's online shop.